They both agreed that they had come together freely and without reservation to give themselves to each other in marriage; to honor each other as man and wife for the rest of their lives; and to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church.

Additionally, he promised to take her for his lawful wife, to have and to hold, from that day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do they part.

Since that time, he had toiled the best he could and surrendered the fruits of his labor to afford his wife and children a decent way of life, with a roof over their heads, enough food on the table and the clothes on their backs. He turned night into day to ensure that his children received proper education. With the extra, he adorned his wife with simple jewelry, gifted his children with toys on their birthdays, and the whole family with small feasts and budget travels to celebrate special occasions. He squeezed out enough savings to make that down payment on the family car, which he kept in good running condition.

But more than providing the material possessions, he was there. He was there to listen to how his wife’s day went. He was there to play with his little ones when horsing around was called for. He was there to tutor his children as best he could when the subject matter became a bit more complicated. He was there to receive his children’s report card and always knew how best to react regardless of the level of grades. He was there to walk with his wife on stage for every school graduation. He was ready to rush anyone to the hospital for any medical emergency. He was there to scold his children when they went out of line but also to show them that it is only out of love and concern for them that he does that. He was there to bring and pick up his kids to and from parties, sometimes waiting patiently in the car while fending away mosquitoes. He was there to guide his children in going on dates and was worried sick with his wife when they were late in coming home. He was there to give his daughter’s hand in marriage and to support his son as he started his own family.

This coming Father’s Day is but one in many chances to show husbands and fathers the appreciation they deserve for all that they had done for the family. Nonetheless, take advantage of the opportunity.

We do not have to provide them with material gifts or hold lavish parties. Just like them, all we need to do is to be there; OK, perhaps with a hug and a smile to top it off.

Happy Father’s Day!

(Originally written by Efren Ll. Cruz, RFP at http://www.savingstips.com.ph)